What foods do we eat the most during the holidays?

The festive season is closely linked to a richly laid table.

Food is not only a source of energy, but also a central part of tradition, socializing and expressing hospitality.

Here is an overview of the foods we eat the most during this time, and why it is important.

What do we eat the most?

• Festive potica and pastries: Walnut potica is the queen of Slovenian holidays. In addition to it, there are Christmas bread (stollen), cookies and gingerbread.

• Meat and meat products: Traditionally, roasts (pork or veal), stuffed chicken or turkey, as well as cured meats such as prosciutto and sausage are served.

• Sarma and stews: Especially popular around New Year’s because of their satiety and “healing” effects after long nights.

• French salad: An indispensable side dish that accompanies almost every festive lunch or dinner.

Why do we eat this exactly?

• Tradition and symbolism: Potica symbolizes wealth and gratitude for the harvest. Meat (especially pork) is considered a symbol of progress and happiness, as the pig “roasts on”.

• Celebration of abundance: Historically, the holidays were a time when people indulged in what they did not have in abundance during the year (white flour, sugar, meat).

• Social bonding: Preparing a meal together, such as baking cookies with children, strengthens family bonds.

Advantages and benefits of holiday food

Although holiday food is often associated with excess, it has its own clear advantages:

Benefit                                           Description

Psychological well-being              Enjoying your favorite flavors reduces stress                                                                            and increases feelings of happiness (releasing dopamine).

Social bonding                              The table is a place for conversation, laughter, and                                                                    conflict resolution, which is key to mental health.

Nutritional values ​​                        Nuts in potica are a source of healthy fats, and sauerkraut                                                          in sarma is an excellent probiotic for digestion.

Preserving culture                         Passing down recipes from generation to generation                                                                  preserves our cultural identity.

The importance of moderation

The key to the benefits of holiday food is moderation and enjoyment without a guilty conscience. It is important to indulge in food consciously, as violent restriction during the holidays often leads to overeating later.

Research shows that during the holidays we consume:

• Too much salt (due to dried meats and salty snacks).

• Too much saturated fat (due to buttery doughs and fatty cuts of meat).

• Too little fiber (because vegetables often remain in the background, while meat and desserts take center stage).

Tip: Take a walk in the fresh air between meals. This will speed up digestion and give you energy for further celebration.

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